THE RIGHT STUFF by Melissa McGee Buehler photos courtesy Jeffries Land & Cattle Co
After nearly 30 years, Jerry Jeffries remains a self-proclaimed student of the beef industry.
C
hecotah, Oklahoma, was the sight of one of the most significant battles in the Civil War west of the Mississippi River. The battle of “Honey Springs” or “Elk Creek” which occurred on July 17, 1863, was fought between forces of the Confederates and Federals. Factions of the Creek Tribe fought with each respective army. The battle site is located approximately four and a half miles northeast of Checotah, near the Jeffries Land & Cattle operation. Checotah was named after the Principal Chief of the Creek Tribe at the time, Samuel
Checote, who had served the Confederacy as a lieutenant colonel in the First Creek Regiment. Following the Civil War, re-establishment of tribal boundaries greatly reduced the Creek Nation land area and the railroad began building across the countryside throughout Indian Territory. Railroads provided transportation for cattle and agricultural products to major markets and distribution centers. The eventual extension of rail facilities in the area helped commerce to flourish. Large scale cattle ranches and cotton farms were abundant.
The native grasses in that area of Oklahoma are Bermuda, Fescue and Dallas grass that are nutritious for cattle. In 1917, Jerry Jeffries’ grandfather, James, founded the ranch, and staked claim to what is now the home place of the ranch. Currently, the 6th generation is living on that ranch. Jeffries takes great pride in the heritage of the land on which Jeffries Land & Cattle is located. Jerry states, “I grew up right here where I live today.” Originally purchased by his grandfather, Jeffries expanded the original property within four
below Red Angus heifers on the Jeffries homestead in Checotah, OK.
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